Key Takeaways:
- The Whakatāne District Council has expressed support for residents of Putiki Rd who are opposing Genesis Energy’s plans to remove trees to make way for 33kV power lines.
- Genesis Energy claims that removing the trees is the only viable option to connect its planned solar farm to the national grid.
- Residents are concerned about the loss of mature trees, including a 75-year-old phoenix palm and a 60-year-old oak tree with a treehouse.
- The council has limited ability to influence the decision, but has encouraged Genesis Energy to consider alternative routes and minimize the impact on residents.
- Genesis Energy has stated that it will work with landowners to minimize disruption, but believes that the proposed route is the only viable option.
Introduction to the Dispute
The Whakatāne District Council has thrown its support behind residents of Putiki Rd who are distressed about Genesis Energy’s plans to remove trees to make way for 33kV power lines. The residents are concerned about the loss of mature trees, including a 75-year-old phoenix palm and a 60-year-old oak tree with a treehouse. The trees are not only significant to the residents, but also hold historical and sentimental value. The phoenix palm, for example, was planted by a returned serviceman after World War II, and the oak tree was planted by children who brought acorns back from Awakeri School.
The Residents’ Concerns
The residents of Putiki Rd are upset about the proposed route of the power lines, which would require the removal of several mature trees. They have been engaging with Genesis Energy for over a year, exploring alternative options, including a shorter route across farmland and undergrounding the lines. However, Genesis Energy has settled on its preferred route along the 1.7km stretch of road, citing technical, environmental, and planning considerations. The residents are not only concerned about the loss of the trees, but also about the impact on their properties and the character of the road. They have pointed out the irony of Genesis Energy’s sustainability framework, which features a tree at its heart, while the company is planning to remove trees to make way for its power lines.
The Council’s Response
The Whakatāne District Council has expressed sympathy with the residents and has proposed a statement of support. The statement acknowledges Genesis Energy’s rights of access to place the electricity lines within the road corridor, but encourages the company to configure the grid tie to minimize the impact on existing residents. The council has also suggested that Genesis Energy consider moving the transition lines to the eastern side of Putiki Rd, where there is open farmland and fewer trees. The council’s response is limited by its constrained ability to influence decisions on electricity infrastructure on roading corridors. However, the council is encouraging Genesis Energy to work with the residents to find a solution that minimizes disruption and preserves the character of the road.
Genesis Energy’s Position
Genesis Energy has stated that it has invested significant time and resources into developing concept designs and engaging with landowners regarding access options for alternative routes. The company believes that the route along the western side of Putiki Rd is the only viable option, given the constraints of the project. Genesis Energy has pointed out that the proposed power lines will be installed along a public road reserve, which is where this kind of infrastructure is typically built. The company has also stated that it will work with landowners to minimize disruption wherever possible, but believes that the proposed route is the best option.
Alternative Options
The residents have proposed alternative options, including running the lines along the eastern side of the road, where there is open farmland and fewer trees. Genesis Energy has responded that this option would require additional design, risk, and installation implications, as the 33kV line would need to cross Putiki Rd multiple times. However, the company has agreed to provide feedback on this option, following the council’s suggestion. The residents are willing to work with Genesis Energy to find a solution that works for everyone, and have even offered to provide an easement to run the lines along their own land on the eastern side of the road for no charge.
Conclusion
The dispute between the residents of Putiki Rd and Genesis Energy highlights the challenges of balancing the need for infrastructure development with the concerns of local communities. While Genesis Energy believes that the proposed route is the only viable option, the residents are concerned about the loss of mature trees and the impact on their properties. The Whakatāne District Council has expressed support for the residents and has encouraged Genesis Energy to consider alternative options and minimize disruption. The outcome of this dispute will depend on the ability of the parties to work together to find a solution that balances the needs of all stakeholders.